Since then, Mayo Clinic in Arizona has performed 24 fecal microbiota transplants for CDI patients. In every case, the infection was completely eradicated — often within hours or days — although two patients with comorbidities experienced relapses. Cheryl L. Griesbach, R.N., who was instrumental in developing Mayo's Fecal Transplant program, says the positive results have been overwhelming. "I've talked to every patient. After having been desperately ill and homebound, the dramatic change in their quality of life is truly phenomenal," she says.

Dr. Orenstein points out that Mayo's program is distinguished by a rigorous protocol for evaluating recipients and donors. "Our focus is on safety, measuring outcomes, appropriate follow-up and ongoing process improvement," he says. "Without regulation or standards, if something goes wrong, that could mean the end of this procedure for people who really need it."